The tip of my nose is still bright red after rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

A cartilage graft was placed & is like an uneven red ball. In addition to the redness, there are dents to one side of the graft & a protrusion to the other side. I was concerned about circulation, but my doctor said that the redness is normal & needs time to heal. For the area that protrudes & is more purple, he said that he could use a needle to scrape this down from the outside of the nose in an office procedure & seemed to think this was a minimal problem. I am worried about what to do next & very unhappy with this result. Is any of this normal?

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, persistent redness of the nose six weeks following rhinoplasty is not normal and should be evaluated. It is not clear to me what is being offered by "using a needle to scrape down" the bump. So, I can't offer you much guidance there. If you are concerned and unsatisfied with the explanations you are getting from your surgeon, a second opinion from a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon would be helpful.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

In my practice I use either a regime of antibiotics if I think infection r a steroid Medrol dose pack if I think this is inflammation swelling.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

The redness/purple you describe is not typical.  I would see your doctor again.  If he/she still feels this is normal,  seek a second opinion for evaluation.

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

The tip of my nose is still bright red after rhinoplasty 6 weeks ago. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (3)

RHINOPLASTY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU